The 2025 Giro d’Italia, set to begin on Friday in Tirana, promises to deliver a more dynamic and unpredictable race, especially with the notable absence of Tadej Pogacar, last year’s dominant champion. While the Giro may not have the star power of the Tour de France, it is expected to provide thrilling drama, with more opportunities for the peloton to shine without Pogacar’s looming presence.
Pogacar’s decision to focus on the Tour de France rather than defending his Giro title is a significant shift in the landscape of Grand Tour racing. The absence of last year’s Tour podium finishers—Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel—opens the door for other riders to stake their claim for victory. Despite the reduced star power, the field remains highly competitive, featuring past Giro winners like Primoz Roglic, Jai Hindley, Richard Carapaz, and a resurgent Egan Bernal.
Roglic, with four Grand Tour wins under his belt, enters as the favorite. His aim is to regain confidence ahead of another potential showdown with Pogacar in the Tour de France, where he’ll face the Slovenian’s dominance. Team manager Rolf Aldag has emphasized the importance of performing well in the Giro to boost Roglic’s morale and give him an edge when facing Pogacar in July. With no dominant figure like Pogacar in the mix, the race is expected to be volatile, with multiple riders seeing it as their best opportunity to succeed in a Grand Tour.
For riders like Tom Pidcock, the Giro presents a chance to establish themselves on the Grand Tour stage. The double Olympic champion, who recently joined the Q36.5 team, has impressed in early-season races. While he has ruled himself out of contention for the overall victory, Pidcock’s debut appearance in the Giro is one of excitement. He is focused on seizing every opportunity in the opening stages, which feature challenging mid-length climbs and a short individual time trial. Pidcock has expressed a desire to enjoy the race and make the most of his time in Italy.
Another key contender is Juan Ayuso, Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates teammate, who is eager to step out of Pogacar’s shadow. Ayuso, who finished last year’s Giro in a supporting role, is determined to assert himself this year. At just 22, he has set his sights on a podium finish and views anything less as a setback. His ambition will certainly add an interesting dynamic to the race.
Despite some riders like Wout van Aert suffering from illness and ruled out of contention for the maglia rosa, others are well-positioned to challenge for the overall win. Simon Yates, who has already gone head-to-head with Roglic in the Volta a Catalunya, could be a serious threat, as could Egan Bernal. The Colombian, once one of the sport’s brightest stars, is making a comeback after a life-threatening crash in 2022. Although he is uncertain whether he can return to his peak form, his resilience and love for the sport could push him to perform at a high level.
As the Giro d’Italia kicks off, it’s clear that the lack of a clear favorite makes for a wide-open race. With several strong contenders hungry for victory, this year’s edition promises to be as thrilling as it is unpredictable, offering a breath of fresh air for the sport. The outcome is uncertain, but the battle for the maglia rosa will undoubtedly captivate cycling fans around the world.
